Seeing PINK- Truth About Love Tour, Verizon Center November 24, 2013, Washington DC

Seeing PINK! 

I have liked Pink for a long time.  Liked her edgy style, her music, her lyrics (especially those- do you start to see a trend: I'm a lyrics junkie!), liked when she started to add those crazy trapeze flying acts to her show, liked how cool she seemed with fans, liked her tattoos, her hair- you name it.  You noticed the word I chose, right: LIKED.  So, then Truth About Love was released, and I spent most of the summer listening to it, cracking up to the lyrics, dancing to the songs, being enthralled by the videos for Try and Just Give Me A Reason.  So, when tickets to the show at the DC Verizon Center went on sale a while back, I went ahead and purchased two. One for me, one for hubby.  Or so, I thought.  Since I was still kind of in "like-land" I didn't splurge. This summer saw us going to Vegas to see Cirque Du Soleil's second Michael Jackson show ONE, and I also have been on a "going to see Lisa (Marie Presley) live" splurge. Or binge.  Whatever.  So- I went the cautious route via the ever popular nose-bleed tickets at the Verizon Center in DC. 

And if you ask me how I like her now.  I will have to tell you- I LOVE Pink! OMG- what an experience! I have never...well... Let me take things slow.

Having secured tickets sometime last summer (or spring...what's a season or two to those over 40), I somehow had forgotten to fill hubby in that he was my date to go see Pink. I hate that when that happens- but hey, I'm getting old and impending dementia is a wonderful excuse (I meant to actually write about THAT, but the show blew my mind so this has priority). Surely he would be as excited as I am, given he had seen me dancing to Slut Like Me, Walk of Shame, etc and heard me sing Just Give Me A Reason on one or ten car-rides. Heck- he even sang along! Fun style! Imagine my surprise, when he looked at me and said: I don't want to go. Do I have to???? Okay... Maybe I should have toned the singing down a bit. I have been told it's hazardous to the ears of others.  Haters.  But really, he didn't want to go? What in the world would I do? 

Thankfully, I have friends with great taste (obviously- they would not be my friends otherwise). One particular wonderful lady had already whispered in my ear that she would take Chuck's ticket off my hands should he refuse to go: my friend Tammy, who weeks before had been my date to the Lisa concert as well. We are starting to go quite steady, looks like. :) So- problem solved. Tammy and I met in Bowie for a great sushi dinner at Ichiban Sushi in the Bowie Town Center.  I had the most amazing drive there, taking the backroads, by the way.  Great winter skies right before sunset. Due to the winding roads (and to the laws in Maryland- my luck, ONE police officer is reading this)- there are no pictures. But trust me, it was quite the visual treat.  

After the amazing dinner, we headed into DC with plenty of time to spare. Silly girls that we are, we totally forgot that the Verizon Center is slightly bigger than let's say the Wolftrap, and that we might not be the only wild and crazy chicks ready to party with her Pinkness.  So, it took some patience (and maybe some light cursing at the idiotic horn blowers) to make it down toward the venue.  We decided to park inside the Verizon Center garage, which strangely enough was cheaper than the adjacent M street Garage.  Well, I now know why that is, but I'll get to that later. With 20 minutes to spare before the start of the show (or pre-show as we surmised), we got into the garage and were directed to P2. Arriving there, we were told to leave the car in the middle of the otherwise blocked isle (if you ever have been on a ferry- it was like that..only less organized).  Tammy drove her Dad's Infinity- so she was a bit nervous about the "leave the key in the car and the window half-way down" statement. What? Just because we are in the middle of DC? What can happen?  Not like anyone would unwedge the car.  To be extra cautious, we locked all valuables in the trunk. Which, in hindsight, was such a smooth move- given we had to leave the key. 

We made it in plenty of time for me to get an IPA and Tammy to get a Pepsi  Our seats were...up high. High enough for me to wonder why in the world I didn't bring my oxygen tank. Or take some Dramamine.  Hadn't needed it on our cruise, but man- I was getting woozy  And it wasn't the beer! We looked around- well at least the huge jumbotron was right in front of us- with a smaller one down to the side of it.  Plus, it looked fairly empty still- surely we'd be able to move up later.  Psych! Actually, in the end, the seats were not that bad. The sound was amazing and we were able to follow the show on the screens just fine.  I also got used to the height.  But- had I know that hubby was going to dump me, I would have splurged on tickets a bit more. I seriously envied the people down by the stage that had a walk-out and ended in a heart. Next time...

The opening act (does anyone EVER look forward to opening acts?) was actually great. The group called The Kin from Australia, kicked butt. Check out their site: http://thekin.com .  I'm saying "actually" because I was prepared to not like them, just because I was ready for Pink, but ended up being VERY much into them. Their tone reminded me a bit of Sting, a bit of Queen, a bit of...well, you get it.  Special mention goes to their drummer playing without sticks- with his hands, and to the iconic playing of a didgeridoo to rocking out music. WOW! I loved the song Mary, which they dedicated to Pink and all other mothers (moi included, I take it) and it was a great modern time rock concert moment, when the audience was asked to light up the arena and did so: with the flashlights of their iPhones. DUDE! That was great!

The Kin's set ended before 8:30pm, and I resolved to definitely get their music on iTunes. Too bad I didn't get to meet them as they had invited everyone to do... Next time, right?

Now the wait was on. And the Verizon Center filled to the brink. So much for moving! Some ladies sitting a row ahead of us had moved up closer (as we had planned, but didn't do)- and were sent back. If this was not a sold out show, it was close to it.  Tammy and I passed the time by trying to figure out why she had more reception than I did (duh- it is the VERIZON Center and not the AT&T Center), taking selfies, and watching images of people being captured for their ten seconds of fame on the jumbotron. 

The first signs that the show was about to start included lights coming on behind the curtain, smoke escaping from below, and the ringmaster type character of Rubix von Fuechenhuerz (don't quote me on the spelling) entertaining the crowd by drinking their beer, climbing all over them in different sections, and licking the bald head of a very thrilled (not) victim.  Since I read the same thing happened during another show, I wonder if that was a plant. But hey- it was funny, anyway.  And before we knew it, he informed us that we ALL were about to learn the TRUTH about love.  About time- I had been wondering about all that. As did others, obviously also ready to "crack that code, gotta break it, break it down." A shot into the audience- and there we saw a young, blond woman. It took a moment to register it was PINK!  Screaming ensued. House lights went out, and the beats to Raise Your Glass lit up the stage- followed by fireworks and Pink being shot out of the floor, starting her twisting, singing, and performing saltos above her screaming audience.  WOW! What an opening! It was the blast off to a show that never slowed down. 

The hilarious Walk of Shame came next, complete with perfect sore foot, worn out, stumbling antics mixed with amazing choreography and staging. Thanks to the screen, even us up higher than the flying bundle of energy caught every glimpse.  Just Like A Pill had most fans singing along. Yes- we have ALL felt like that about a loved one.  Pink thanked everyone and really made sure to include all of us- not an easy feat in a venue as HUGE as this. 

The show was crazy fast paced. I had to look at other concert review as I am blanking on the exact order of songs: But I know they included U + Ur Hand before things slowed down and Pink re-emerged from a small mini break in a black outfit (and I am really not describing it adequately here- but if you have seen the video for  Try you know what I mean) - and once again was lifted high into the air, performing the gut wrenching Try both high above and then with dancers below.  Next, she did the most amazing job covering Chris Isaac's Wicked Game- standing at a free microphone. Three dancers (and can I say, YUM!) interacted with her in a love/torture type dance, lifting her, rendering her at times up-side down, while on always made sure to have the microphone lifted in perfect alignment to her- as she kept on singing.  MAN! 

The next change of costume included a dress like creation, giving Pink a romantic flair- as the audience erupted: Just Give Me A Reason started playing, and everyone helped out with the O-oh parts.  I had been wondering how the duet would be solved- and it was done so masterfully as her regular partner Nate Ruess appeared on the screen, singing with Pink- and us. I have always loved this song- and it was even more amazing to hear it live.  Can you say GOOSEBUMPS??? 

Pink left us again for a bit.  The small breaks, btw, were filled in part masterful, part hilarious ways: Once, we were delighted by Rubix, his face now on the full moon smiling at us from the screens, coming out for his very own areal act- dressed as Cupid, flying above us, causing me to hope he wasn't going to shoot me up- before he descended- face down- into a hole in the ground. Another time, an amazing duo of female dancers gave a stunning expressive dance to the melody of Chaos and Piss.  In any other show these moments might be opportunities to check email or send off a tweet (even if I HAD connectivity) - not so here! Every second, every "act" was perfection in timing and execution. 

The energy level picked up again with Trouble and Are We All We Are, which Pink, much like her friend LMP during Unbreak, opened with a kick-ass drum performance. She had just introduced us to her equally (if not more so) kick-ass drummer and then stated he was a great teacher. Obviously, she was not kidding! This girl doesn't do anything half way- and she sure as heck didn't beat those drums in a timid way, either.  

The next instrumental challenge was revealed soon after: Pink informed us she tries to do something scary or intelligent every tour, quipping, "I haven't gotten to the intelligent part yet." She stated that she played "almost a whole song on the guitar last time. Which was ...kind of a disaster." Then she proceeded to get ready to play Great Escape (one of the most beautiful songs of her repertoire) on the piano.  I was starting to not like her- is there NOTHING this woman cannot do??? And just like that I loved her a little bit more for being obviously vulnerable and STILL going for it.  

Happily, the quite skilled pianist skipped around the stage, saying, "You got no clue how happy I am that's over!" However, the show was far from over and Pink went to a more quiet place, playing Who Knew in an acoustic set only with her and her guitarist.  She filled us in on the background: "I like to do these little acoustic things because that's what I grew up doing with my Dad." Awe!!!! The amazing performance was followed by Perfect.  As we know, the lady is not afraid of dropping the F-bomb in her songs. But, as a mom, she obviously softened and informed us she would sing the PG version- while, with that familiar twinkle in her eyes (thank you huge screen right in front of me), she invited the audience to sing the F-bomb part. And we did. Because that's her: F++++ing PERFECT! 

Obviously, it was time for another lift-off: a cage looking, egg-shaped contraption appeared to the sounds of Sober- and Pink ascended, singing the song from inside, outside, holding on, and being spun...never missing a beat.  This time, she was joined by her team of acrobats.  Let me restate: If this touring and sining thing doesn't work out, Miss Moore has a future at a Cirque Du Soleil show for sure! 

And then it was bad to the bad girl we all love to...love.  After making sure she told us her female guitarist was NOT a slut, but the jury was out on her male guitar player, she asked who in the audience self identified as a slut. "This is such a polarizing question" she joked, before launching into one of my favorite girl/woman- power songs: Slut Like You.  If you have not heard that song- check it out! And you never look at a bar-scene the same way. "You- caveman- sit down!" This jewel of a song was followed up by a sweet collage of Pink from baby to her breakthrough- and a medley of some of her earlier songs.  And then- Blow me One Last Kiss- as I feared the show was nearing its end.  But no- the grand finale was still to come: So What.  Performed while being SLUNG across the Verizon Center, while tumbling through mid air, hanging upside down, giving high fives to the upper rows of fans, being lifted all the way UP- and then being dropped to "you weren't there you watched me FALL" - OMG! I am so afraid of heights- and my heart dropped.  But- alas, Pink was alright, singing and twirling on.  Sadly, this was it as far as songs. Reading over other reviews I saw she usually came back out to Glitter In The Air- but when the light went back on, after Pink thanked everyone- we saw the set was already being carried off. MAJOR bummer there.  But- feeling fortunate already to have seen as much as I had, I will not whine.

So, this was the experience that changed my status from "LIKING" Miss Alecia Moore to LOVING her.  I went from being a fan to being a FAN!!!!   I've seen my share of live shows, so why did I like this so much?  Well, if you are not totally worn out yet, read on. 

First: Pink sings live.  She is probably one of the last "big" stars who do so all the way.  You can tell throughout the show- but not in a bad way. At one point she had some issues with a microphone and joked, "Sorry, we have some technical difficulties. The kind you have when you don't lip-synch." Ouch- a little spanking to her colleagues.  And rightly so. Because not only does she sing, she runs, dances rolls on the stage, hangs off the stage to shake hands, and over and over enthralls those below her with areal acrobatics of the Cirque Du Soleil caliber. A friend of mine stated she must have lungs of iron- and that friend was right on. DANG!

Second: Pink interacts with fans NON-STOP during her show.  She sells out huge venues such as this- and keeps it real. During Sunday night's show, she talked to people down there next to the stage.  She signed a variety of papers, posters, and other items without blinking an eye.  No security swooping in- nothing like that.  She also graciously accepted a variety of presents given to her. At one point, she had her arms full, joking "This is great- it's like I get to sing and shop at the same time." Some gifts were dedicated to her three year old daughter, Willow. To which Pink said, "Oh, don't worry...I give these to Willow - and tell her they are from me." Breaking out into gleeful laughter! One gift especially delighted her: a hat- with arms that could clap if she squeezed the strings on the side.  Never worrying about her hair ("that's the great thing if you don't have a lot- it can't get messed up"), Pink donned the hat, and was quite enthralled: "I won't give THIS to Willow. That's MINE!" 

And then, there is the general artistry of the show overall. There was not one dull moment. Many human moments, but nothing boring or over the top silly.  Pink can actually sing- and she proved this fact all night long. She can also dance- and she is FEARLESS.  What she has created is different in a very good way. It's refreshing and authentic. She can sell - but she hasn't sold out. 

Both Tammy and I were totally amazed and were buzzing with excitement! Not even the LONG wait to get on the escalators (stairs were closed off...WHY???) or the equally long line to get onto the elevators down into the parking garage got us down.  Full of joy, we detected Tammy's Dad's car where we left it. Almost.  Slightly to the right of where we had parked, but why complain as long as the keys were there- as were our valuables! 

Of course, the Infinity was still wedged in- and facing the opposite way of most other cars.  Again- remember, this was "ferry style" - and we feared the parking attendants (surely there had to be humans here somewhere able to dissolve this Gordian Knot) might still have been upstairs trying to get autographs from the artist. Basically, imagine a giant had put his toy cars in a box and did not suffer from OCD- so they were all over.

I have to point out, most fellow concert goers and garage prisoners were very patient.  Which is about all you could do. There was nothing to be accomplished by flipping out.  All one could do was wait until the first level cleared out and then the periphery of cars moved off. Sounds logical, right?  Well...this obvious logic did not deter one very angry, very rude Honda driving lady to blow her horn non-stop. Maybe she had to go pee. Or maybe she was suffering from PMS, or menopausal anger (hey- she could have met her match had she kept on...) Or, possibly, she thought her horn was a magic device that would get rid of hundreds of car and poof- she could drive off. 

A pretty overwhelmed parking attendant finally came down to help solve the puzzle at hand. Only to have pissed off Honda lady almost undo all his efforts. Cause she had to go. Now. As opposed to the rest of us..who just liked to hang around close to midnight in a parking garage downtown. On a Sunday.  

One guy came out of his car- screaming at Honda lady. Earning him a blank stare.  Man, she looked...vacant. Wonder if she just really did not like Pink. Or maybe she had lost her ticket and had to stay outside the show. Something like that must have happened. Because she could not possibly still feel the same buzz from the same show we all just came from. 

Anyway..if you see her...tell her to lighten up...

And look- even though she pulled of in a frenzy...turned out she didn't get that far.  Hehehehe...

So, this brought an amazing night to slightly crazy conclusion. We did eventually leave and make it home. I was so excited to learn that Pink will release a tour dvd in december- Can we get a HELL YEAH!!!! If you want to see more impression from the show, I won't fight blogger to post more videos (it already crashed once on me, attempting to upload one) - there are plenty of reviews on youtube, including this amazing highlight clip from her show in London at the O2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ZnN9TQcOw

In the meantime, I will keep listening and keep LOVING this amazing singer, composer, dancer, acrobat, mother, wife, human being. And will look forward to future albums- and shows. Forsaking those nosebleed tickets for the up-close experience next time. :) 

HELL YEAH!!!!